Family history of allergy and symptoms of atopic dermatitis

Three hundred sixty five children and hundred thirty nine adults with atopic dermatitis were divided into three groups. Group A included patients with negative family history of allergy; group B--allergy history in one parent or his family; group C--allergy in both parents or their families. It was found that total IgE level was higher in patients of group C in comparison with group A. Similarly, bronchial asthma and/or rhinitis coexisted more frequently, incidence of urticaria was higher and its onset earlier in patients of group C. The results noted in patients of group B occupied middle position between those in group A and group C. Results related to the incidence of RAST positive reactions and multiple sensitivity were similar but the differences were lower. Radioimmunologic assays were performed only in part of the tested patients.